i'm dorothy ridings, president of the league of women voters, the sponsor of tonight's first presidential debate between republican ronald reagan and democrat walter mondale. our panelists are a syndicated columnist for universal press syndicate, the chief diplomatic correspondent for nbc news, the executive editor in the new republic magazine, and the diplomatic correspondent for the baltimore sun. now a syndicated columnist is our moderator. >> a brief word about our procedure tonight, the first question will go to mr. mondale and then the panel member who put the question will ask a follow-up. that will be limited to one minute. after that the same question will be put to president reagan and there will be a follow up and each man will have one minute for battle. the second question will go to president reagan and and the alternating will continue. then there will be four minutes summations. we have asked the question is to be brief. let's begin. your question to mr. mondale. >> two related questions on the issue of central america. you and the democratic party have said the only polic